You don’t have to have a greenhouse or convert your home into a greenhouse to grow cymbidium orchids. They are easy to grow outside in the Redlands area.

Considered a celebrity orchid, the standard cymbidium is a large-flowered species from the Himalayas and China. This cymbidium prefers a cool climate and strong light in a partially shaded condition.

For thousands of years, the standard cymbidium has been producing large beautiful flowers that can last several months — sometimes up to 30 flamboyant blooms on a single spike. And even if you cut the spike and put it in a vase, the flowers will last just as long.

Today, the standard cymbidium and its thousands of hybrids are among of the most popular of all orchids. Even though they are tolerant of extreme temperatures, they need frost-free cool nights and warms days to thrive and to produce those outstanding flowers.

To grow this orchid outside in the Redlands area, you need shade — such as under a large tree or a covered porch.

First, place or hang your orchid in its pot where it will receive bright light but no direct sun, making sure it will be in the shade. You can hang it from a tree branch or place it on a table or stand on your porch other shaded area.

Then, each morning mist your orchid using a misting spray bottle. This provides both water and humidity.

Be sure to follow the orchid-growers’ saying and fertilize “weekly-weakly” (soluble orchid fertilizer used half-strength every week). The standard cymbidium will also require a little more fertilizer than most other orchids.

Bring the orchid indoors when the flower stem appears, so you can enjoy the flowers inside.

For information, call 909-798-9384.

SOURCE: Joyce Dean, a member of the Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society

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